Location: Norfolk
Top Things to do in Norfolk
What to do and see in Norfolk, Virginia (VA): The Best Things to do
An early English settlement, Norfolk is filled with historic sites and monuments. Norfolk is also home to the oldest U.S. naval port, as well as the Battleship Wisconsin, which was in service from World War II through the Persian Gulf War. Locals and visitors head to Town Point Park for outdoor concerts and annual events such as the Bayou Boogaloo and Cajun Food Festival. Families enjoy relaxing in Norfolk Botanical Garden and touring the harbor on a 19th-century Mississippi riverboat.
Restaurants in Norfolk
1. Chrysler Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 978 reviews
Reviewed By CMDA - Danville, United States
Beautiful building with 220,000 square feet of exhibit space with an excellent collection of American and European artists and some timely current exhibitions. Strong showing of Hudson River School. Located in Ghent district which is well worth a stroll around.
2. Nauticus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,062 reviews
Nauticus inspires and educates with engaging & interactive experiences that celebrate our connections with today's maritime world. We are a contemporary museum that uses the natural setting of Norfolk's harbor to showcase global maritime commerce and the world's largest Navy. Touch a shark, learn about marine life, explore naval history, catch a 3D educational movie, and climb aboard a battleship. Memorial Day – Labor Day: Open Daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Rest of the year: Closed Mondays, Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, Noon – 5 p.m. Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin are closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Please call for other holiday hours.
Reviewed By BethWI - Muskego, United States
We came here with our four kids, ages 7,9,12, and 13. We did a tour of the Battleship, but this review is for the Nauticus museum part. The kids enjoyed this science and technology museum. They were able to man a robotic arm to pick up a ball and put it into a bowl. They also were able to man a seabot in a tank to pick up a ball. They could touch a shark and horseshoe crab. There were a few aquarium tanks with other ocean life. Plenty to learn, touch, and experience here. They love these types of hands on activities. We spent about two hours in Nauticus. My kids could have stayed longer, but we were all getting hungry.
3. MacArthur Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 303 reviews
Memorial to the five-star US Army General who served in three major wars: WWI, Korea and WWII.
Reviewed By JohnKBachmann - Port Orange, United States
With both the museum and mausoleum for Five Star General MacArthur and his wife and father Three Star General Arthur the Memorial commemorates their family. Located in downtown Norfolk it is a excellent presentation of their lives with personal momentous, honors and of course the final resting place for both the General and his wife, Jean. With three buildings on the square a visit covers the ability to research their lives as well as the aforementioned museum and mausoleum.
4. Battleship Wisconsin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,573 reviews
Berthed at Nauticus, the Battleship Wisconsin is one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy. Explore its deck through a self-guided tour or, with an additional charge, one of our guided tours that will take you back in time to experience this majestic ship that earned five battle stars during WW II
Reviewed By 223wendyg - Grand Rapids, United States
This was part of a reunion group for a ship that had been decommissioned. Since we could not see the other ship, this was a great substitute. Just about everything was accessible and it was easy to imagine how the sailors lived on a ship The kitchen, living quarters, and dental areas were a few that were open to the public. The full deck was open to look around in the harbor and was accessible to wheel chairs. There were kids who walked through, and they were also amazed. Definitely a must see when going to Norfolk.
5. Virginia Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 857 reviews
Reviewed By TheCarrs52601 - Norfolk, United States
We have a membership at NBG and every year enjoy the Annual Swap with VA Zoo! We took our 4 grandkiddos and had a blessed visit! The covid precautions are very well done at the zoo and the animals look very healthy too! The baby giraffe is adorable, the tiger beautiful, the meerkats so cute, and we loved watching the orangutans! The train ride isn’t very long but reasonably priced at $2 each. The Run Wild Discovery Zone was a hit with the kids with the stump jump and balance beams & logs & they always enjoy the climbing on the huge snake & it’s a fun photo op! It’s wonderful having a zoo close by and the Swap is such a fantastic practice between VA Zoo & NBG!❤️
6. Norfolk Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,081 reviews
Reviewed By JasonG134 - Baltimore, United States
Although there understandably isn't much in bloom in the fall, it's still worth a visit even if that's the only time you can go (as was the case with me). Be sure to take the tram ride as it gives you a nice overview of the expansive grounds so you can figure out where to best spend your time.
7. Hermitage Museum and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 134 reviews
The Hermitage Museum & Gardens, formerly home to the Sloane family, is an early 20th century Arts-and-Crafts estate located on the shore of the Lafayette River in Norfolk, Virginia. Featuring a nationally recognized art collection spanning 5,000 years, the Hermitage is home to the arts. Contemporary exhibition galleries, a Visual Arts Studio, working artist studios, and 12 acres of gardens and grounds offer art and culture to the community, as envisioned by the Sloanes.
Reviewed By ArtsGeek
This historic house museum is a magical spot, hidden away on the edge of an inlet. An Arts and Crafts home donated to the community by art patron and organizer Florence Sloane, the home features lavish gardens, a spectacular waterside view, and collections of Asian decorative arts. The unique furniture and woodwork was designed by two artist-friends of the Sloanes. The museum also has a significant collection of art by the American painter/teacher Douglas Volk.
8. Hampton Roads Naval Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By carmenaA9014PP
Fantastic pictures, displays and objects from the US and the Vietnamese relating to that time. There are ship models, clothing exhibits, All types of memorabilia from naval personnel. There are recordings from interviews with Vietnam veterans.
9. Naval Station Norfolk
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 536 reviews
The oldest naval port in the United States that offers guided tours.
Reviewed By G7308EYmichellew - Lawrenceville, United States
We are a military family. The base is huge. It is the largest military base around. You can take a tour around via boat. Many photo opportunities to take. Magnificent ships!
10. Pagoda & Oriental Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By cherylh903 - Durham, United States
These gardens are so peaceful, relaxing and beautiful. The gardens aren't large and it's an easy stroll through them. It's on the waterfront in Freemason Harbor with views of the USS Wisconsin. The Pagoda offers sandwiches, has a bar, and has some of the best bakery items I've ever tasted. The second floor has nice views. You can also take in the garden from the second floor balcony. We didn't even know about this place until we came upon it while walking along the Elizabeth River Trail.
